Rating: 
Summary: cute moments
Review: I've read a few of Kat Martin's books and they tend to be a smooth read every time. This one was a little to overdone for my liking. The hero, Lucien, was really shallow. All he seemed to want from Katherine was sex. I know what your thinking, that comes with a romance novel, but you couldn't get through a chapter without him WANTING her!! It was too much. Katherine was ok, she also had her shallow moments, but all in all, the book had some great moments and was still worth reading. It's just not one I would put in my top ten list.
Rating: 
Summary: Fun and interesting to read
Review: Lucien and Katherine's story was truly interesting to read and watch unfold. The greedy relative plot is seen quite a bit, and to be honest, I am a bit bored with it, but Ms. Martin does a great job of making it interesting and new. Our hero and heroine are well developed and stay consistent through out the story. Katherine is a strong-minded woman, who makes no apologies for what she is and what she feels she must do. Although I doubt there were very many women interested in medicine in the late eighteenth century (at least outside the role of midwife), Ms. Martin gives credibility to Katherine's obsession. The reader gets a vivid picture of what people at that time thought of doctors, surgeons and barbers. It is interesting to see how much has changed in what we think of as medicine today and what they thought of it in the early years of the "Enlightenment Period". Lucien's character was equally fascinating to read about. He has been scarred and although he is compassionate, he really doesn't know how to love. Once again, this theme has been played out ad nauseum in romance books, but Ms. Martin makes it seem fresh. Lucien does not change his mind quickly, and this inability to adapt and accept Katherine is critical to the plot. This struggle and character development makes the plot all the more realistic in my eyes. The appearance of old friends and colorful secondary characters truly fill out this story. If it were not for a few minor criticisms the story would have rated a five star. The rushed ending chapters (where months go by in a paragraph) and the improbability of escaping an insane asylum "untouched" after a year of incarceration, do detract somewhat from an otherwise great book. I also wish Lucien's aunt and Nat had their own story, but that is getting a bit petty, I enjoyed what their story added overall to Silk and Steel.
Rating:
Summary: Fun and interesting to read
Review: Lucien and Katherine's story was truly interesting to read and watch unfold. The greedy relative plot is seen quite a bit, and to be honest, I am a bit bored with it, but Ms. Martin does a great job of making it interesting and new. Our hero and heroine are well developed and stay consistent through out the story. Katherine is a strong-minded woman, who makes no apologies for what she is and what she feels she must do. Although I doubt there were very many women interested in medicine in the late eighteenth century (at least outside the role of midwife), Ms. Martin gives credibility to Katherine's obsession. The reader gets a vivid picture of what people at that time thought of doctors, surgeons and barbers. It is interesting to see how much has changed in what we think of as medicine today and what they thought of it in the early years of the "Enlightenment Period". Lucien's character was equally fascinating to read about. He has been scarred and although he is compassionate, he really doesn't know how to love. Once again, this theme has been played out ad nauseum in romance books, but Ms. Martin makes it seem fresh. Lucien does not change his mind quickly, and this inability to adapt and accept Katherine is critical to the plot. This struggle and character development makes the plot all the more realistic in my eyes. The appearance of old friends and colorful secondary characters truly fill out this story. If it were not for a few minor criticisms the story would have rated a five star. The rushed ending chapters (where months go by in a paragraph) and the improbability of escaping an insane asylum "untouched" after a year of incarceration, do detract somewhat from an otherwise great book. I also wish Lucien's aunt and Nat had their own story, but that is getting a bit petty, I enjoyed what their story added overall to Silk and Steel.
Rating: 
Summary: Historical romance fiction can't get better than this
Review: Of all historical romance authors, Kat Martin is one of the best. She is capable of bringing her characters to life and stirring emotions in her readers with her vivid and descriptive style of writing. Silk and Steel is a great book because the story is passionate and intriguing: a ravishingly handsome Lucien Montaine falls in love with the beautiful, virginal Kathryn Grayson who's run away from a sanitarium her cruel uncle committed her to in order to gain her massive inheritance. But of course, the story is just not that simple. BUY SILK AND STEEL AND I GUARANTEE YOU WILL ADORE IT. I don't want to give too much of the plot away, but the most important thing that Kat Martin accomplishes is this: she takes passion and incorporates the essence of real-life love full of hurt, pain, happiness, loss, and gain. The deeper message of this book, if you look hard enough, is that a fantastical romance such as that of Lucien and Kathryn is not all about sex and a happily-ever-after ending, but that love itself carries with it tremendous sacrifice. Ms. Martin has written another book worthy of 5 stars and the hearts of millions of historical romance fans.
Rating:
Summary: Guaranteed to please
Review: Once again Kat Martin brings us back to Georgian England, telling another wonderful romance. Committed to an insane asylum against her will so that her greedy uncle can spend her fortune, Lady Kathryn Grayson has finally found a way to escape. When she is caught by Lucien Montaine, the Marquess of Litchfield, she lies to him and he agrees to help her. Eventually time runs out for Kathryn and Lucien finds her real reason for being found dirty and in her nightgown. If you loved Nothing but Velvet, this romance will sure to please. Velvet and Jason are back in this wonderful romance that is guaranteed to please
Rating:
Summary: My first Kat Martin, but not my last
Review: Our hero and heroine's first meeting takes place under some very tricky circumstances. A filthy and bedraggled Kathryn Gray tells Lucien Montaine, Marquess of Litchfield, that the reason she's stowed away in his coach is because she was kidnapped and has just escaped from the villains' clutches, and could she please stay with him until her father comes to pick her up? Although Lucien agrees to let Kathryn stay at Castle Running, he knows that the story isn't all true - and he's right. Actually, Lady Kathryn Grayson was committed to St. Bartholomew's Hospital (to use the word loosely) for the Insane, because her greedy uncle, the Earl of Dunstan, wants to keep her from her inheritance. She figures that telling Lucien the truth would be as good as having her uncle find out that she's escaped from St. Bartholomew's, so she makes up the abduction story. By the time Lucien's messenger goes to Milford Park, her parents' home, and returns to tell Lucien what is really going on, Kathryn will have figured out what to do and be far away from Lucien. Lucien, about to be married to shallow Allison Hartman, is furious when he finds out he's been lied to, and even more so when a desperate Kathryn tricks him into compromising and marrying her. Lucien's initial chill toward his new bride eventually gives way to unrelenting mutual passion, but Kathryn wants more substance than just the life of a society wife. Her main interest, healing the human body, is one Lucien finds strange and inadequate for a marchioness - even more so considering that it was this interest that got Kathryn locked up at St. Bartholomew's - and proves to be the one area in their marriage where neither will give in. Kathryn's actions, while not honorable, are completely understandable considering there are no choices left to her - even after the marriage, she and Lucien are not safe due to a clause in the documents of her inheritance. A sharp contrast to the nitwit heroine whose brains turns to mush whenever her mate is near, Kathryn wants more out of life than passion in Lucien's arms, and the choice she makes in her quest for a life of substance is heartbreaking. Life was going to be so perfect for Lucien - he was going to marry the perfect non-intrusive wife, beget the required heir and, in short, have little to alter his way of life. Then Kathryn shows up and not only shoots those plans to smithereens but makes him examine those new feelings that seem to bloom whenever she's near. He is determined not to feel any affection for the wife who has deceived him so brutally, but he cannot help the change she effects on him, much to the amusement of his friend Jason Sinclair, the hero of Nothing But Velvet. The secondary characters also add to this story. There is Lucien's aunt Winnie who pines for the love that could have been, and Michael, the boy Kathryn insists be rescued from St. Bartholomew's. Even Kathryn's uncle is genuinely menacing until the very end, his appearance shattering any illusions of security that Kathryn - and the reader - might feel. And of course, Jason and Velvet Sinclair appear as well, hoping that Lucien and Kathryn's story will end as well as their own did. I wasn't too thrilled with the long separation between hero and heroine, or with the fact that Kathryn keeps a secret from Lucien until they are reunited, but otherwise I can gladly recommend the very engaging Silk and Steel.
Rating:
Summary: Thoroughly Entertaining...
Review: SILK & STEEL is the sequel of one of my favorite historical romance book NOTHING BUT VELVET. Lucien Montaine, Marquess of Litchfield was a savory & an interesting secondary character in NOTHING BUT VELVET. He was Jason's best friend who supported and helped Jason till the end. Aside from his handsome and manly looks, his faith, loyalty, generosity & friendship to Jason drawed me to him. I was happy to learn that he has a book of his own. However, upon checking the reviews of this book here...(on the website) and after hearing couple of my friends mentioning this book as "unworthy", I braced myself for a wee bit of disappointment. The book was overall a 4 star rating here but base on couple of reviewers plus my friends, this book wasn't suppose to be an entertaining one. Since I would like to read updates of Jason and Velvet and I really, really like Lucien, I thought I'd give this book a shot regardless of the neg. comments. As the book progress, I was totally charmed and couldn't possibly believe why some would find this book an unworthy read. When the book ended, I was glad I wasn't swayed off by the negative reviews. People do have different requirements and expectations of the books they read, therefore, I suggest you pick up this book and decide for yourself. I will simply hope that you will enjoy it as much as I did. This is my 3rd book of Kat Martin and she has yet to disappoint me. Lucien's character was pretty much consistent as his first appearance in NOTHING BUT VELVET. He was more detailed here though considering this is his book and you couldn't but love him more. He is a Gentleman through and through... Kathryn Grayson wasn't as appealing to me in the beginning but the more I read, the more her character was developed then you get to see through her. You couldn't help but feel sorry for her. I like her spunk and her determination. Despite what she's been through, she's still spirited. I admire the way Kat Martin insisted on making Kathryn a stubborn/bull headed woman. Considering she owes Lucien more than you can imagine, Kathryn wasn't overly pleasing and too grateful to the extent of loosing her personality and becoming a doormat. Now that would have been a drag. But it so happend that Kat Martin created Kathryn uniquely in this circumstances. Kathryn knows herself and therefore insist on her identity. She knows what she wants, does what she believes is right. She does what makes her feel good even if it means arguing with Lucien. I like that immensely. I have to admit that there is a couple of niggle in this book... To mention one: When Kathryn ran away the second time, I was wondering how she could have succeeded in hiding for such a long time when she couldn't have done this the first time. Well, I just tell myself that perhaps the second time, she was more prepared with small money, food and warm clothing. She also had a sound plan while the first one was totally spur of the moment. I really enjoyed this book so it does merit for a 5 stars despite this small niggle. I don't read between the lines and over analyze a book that thoroughly entertained me. I simply just seat back, love every minute I have with the book and ENJOY. I really believe most people would love this book especially when you have read the prequel NOTHING BUT VELVET. Aside from the twisters, the appearance of Jason and Velvet was an added spice to this book. Also, there is no EPILOGUE in this book so I hope Kat Martin is creating another book that relates to this one. Perhaps a story of Michael or any of Jason and Lucien's children....
Rating:
Summary: Thoroughly Entertaining...
Review: SILK & STEEL is the sequel of one of my favorite historical romance book NOTHING BUT VELVET. Lucien Montaine, Marquess of Litchfield was a savory & an interesting secondary character in NOTHING BUT VELVET. He was Jason's best friend who supported and helped Jason till the end. Aside from his handsome and manly looks, his faith, loyalty, generosity & friendship to Jason drawed me to him. I was happy to learn that he has a book of his own. However, upon checking the reviews of this book here...(on the website) and after hearing couple of my friends mentioning this book as "unworthy", I braced myself for a wee bit of disappointment. The book was overall a 4 star rating here but base on couple of reviewers plus my friends, this book wasn't suppose to be an entertaining one. Since I would like to read updates of Jason and Velvet and I really, really like Lucien, I thought I'd give this book a shot regardless of the neg. comments. As the book progress, I was totally charmed and couldn't possibly believe why some would find this book an unworthy read. When the book ended, I was glad I wasn't swayed off by the negative reviews. People do have different requirements and expectations of the books they read, therefore, I suggest you pick up this book and decide for yourself. I will simply hope that you will enjoy it as much as I did. This is my 3rd book of Kat Martin and she has yet to disappoint me. Lucien's character was pretty much consistent as his first appearance in NOTHING BUT VELVET. He was more detailed here though considering this is his book and you couldn't but love him more. He is a Gentleman through and through... Kathryn Grayson wasn't as appealing to me in the beginning but the more I read, the more her character was developed then you get to see through her. You couldn't help but feel sorry for her. I like her spunk and her determination. Despite what she's been through, she's still spirited. I admire the way Kat Martin insisted on making Kathryn a stubborn/bull headed woman. Considering she owes Lucien more than you can imagine, Kathryn wasn't overly pleasing and too grateful to the extent of loosing her personality and becoming a doormat. Now that would have been a drag. But it so happend that Kat Martin created Kathryn uniquely in this circumstances. Kathryn knows herself and therefore insist on her identity. She knows what she wants, does what she believes is right. She does what makes her feel good even if it means arguing with Lucien. I like that immensely. I have to admit that there is a couple of niggle in this book... To mention one: When Kathryn ran away the second time, I was wondering how she could have succeeded in hiding for such a long time when she couldn't have done this the first time. Well, I just tell myself that perhaps the second time, she was more prepared with small money, food and warm clothing. She also had a sound plan while the first one was totally spur of the moment. I really enjoyed this book so it does merit for a 5 stars despite this small niggle. I don't read between the lines and over analyze a book that thoroughly entertained me. I simply just seat back, love every minute I have with the book and ENJOY. I really believe most people would love this book especially when you have read the prequel NOTHING BUT VELVET. Aside from the twisters, the appearance of Jason and Velvet was an added spice to this book. Also, there is no EPILOGUE in this book so I hope Kat Martin is creating another book that relates to this one. Perhaps a story of Michael or any of Jason and Lucien's children....
Rating:
Summary: Entertaining Regency romance
Review: The Earl of Dunstan, Douglas Roth, will do anything to control the fortune owned by his niece Lady Kathryn Grayson. Taking advantage of Kathryn's interest in medicine, Douglas claims she tried to poison his daughter. He succeeds in locking up his niece at St. Bartholomew Hospital for the Insane. Kathryn manages to escape the asylum. She persuades Lucien Montaine, the Marquis of Litchfield, into protecting her, but hides the truth from him. Lucien soon learns that he harbors a lunatic, but cannot quite match that description with the beautiful woman he now loves. Kathryn reciprocates his feelings, but fear of her uncle forces her to take action rather than allowing their relationship to develop. She tricks Lucien into marrying her, but that turns him into her enemy. When she can no longer take his scorn, she flees into the night once again, leaving Lucien to ponder what he really wants out of life. SILK AND STEEL is a fast-paced story line that centers on the Regency era ease of an aristocratic male can locking up a female under his protection. Kathryn is a warm, intrepid, but desperate character. The smug Lucien is a typical sub-genre protagonist filled with male superiority and aristocratic haughtiness while believing he is always right until he loses his beloved Kathryn. Douglas seems more like the antagonist in the Perils of Pauline. In spite of the cartoon-like villain, Kat Martin's Regency romance remains worth reading as she guts the insides of her audience with the same fears that sends Kathryn running into the night, heart palpitating.
Rating:
Summary: great read from a gifted author
Review: This book is entertaining, touching, fast-paced and sexy--what more could you want? Kat Martin never disappoints, and this one is particularly involving since the heroine is so deep in peril it seems she might never escape. Don't miss it!
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